Kindness

This Christmas, I have been so touched by the kindness I have experienced. As I mentioned, someone did a 12 Days of Christmas for our family. My children looked so forward to receiving the gift each day. It was so kind and made our season extra special. It made us feel very loved.

On December 23, I took Gabby to get her ears pierced at the mall. Afterward, the girls and I were sitting at a table in the mall eating ice cream cones. We saw a man with three boys. They were all wearing elf hats. One of the boys, probably ten years old, walked up to me, handed me an envelope and said Merry Christmas. Then he walked away. The envelope said Merry Christmas and had $20 inside. We saw them give a couple more away, and they had several more envelopes in their hands. Made. My. Day. There are so many good people in this world.

I now have the envelope hanging in my office to remind me of this kindness.

That same day, Alfredo went to Kneaders. He had preordered some pies. When he got there to pick them up, the pies weren't ready. It took 45 minutes for them to get them ready. The employee that was helping him said they would give him a platter of desserts for free to make up for their error. They were very apologetic. When the pies were ready, the manager gave him his receipt...and he had not only given him the platter of desserts for free, they had not charged him for the pies at all. Alfredo politely argued and said that was too much and he would pay for the pies. The manager said the mistake was theirs, they wanted him to be a repeat customer and the entire order was on them. Great customer service. Great kindness.

These are what Christmas is all about. Helping others. Showing love to friends, neighbors and random strangers. I didn't DO anything to deserve these acts of kindness...my family didn't NEED these gifts, at least not in a financial sense, but maybe our hearts did. It made this Christmas just a bit more special, just a bit more jolly. I am so thankful. These acts taught my children (and me) about the true spirit of Christmas better than any lesson I could have given. We are anxious to "pay it forward" in the future.

George Matthew Adams said, "Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart." I'm thankful for so many who have that true Christmas heart and have shared it with us this year.

December 10-20 Gratitude

Tuesday,December 10: giving thanks and opportunities to learn Continuing to reflect on what I am grateful for is helping me so much. I am feeling more peace and joy, despite the busy-ness of the season. And somehow I am feeling more caught up than I had been feeling or usually feel at this time of year. Giving thanks for what I have really does make a difference. It changes things. Or more accurately, it changes me.

It has been a year now since I was called into the Bishop's office and extended a calling as Relief Society President. It has been a year filled with so many emotions and so many experiences, so much growth and learning. I sometimes say that I would love to be called to nursery or to the little ones in Primary...and there is truth in that. I love the little children. They love unconditionally and they are sweet, energetic and innocent. But, at the same time, I would feel so sad to be released right now. I would never have asked for this responsibility, but I am thankful each day that The Lord knew how it would bless my life. I have learned so much. I love these women so very much, and I am blessed by the opportunity to love and serve them. I feel my Savior's love for them and for me. I have learned better to rely on the spirit and listen for its promptings. And I feel like I still have so much more to accomplish and to learn. I love to learn, both secularly and spiritually, and I am thankful for the opportunities I am presented with to learn.

Wednesday, December 11: doctors Today right after school, I got a call from my children's school. Gabby slipped on ice and fell. She split her chin open and needed stitches. I hurried over. When I arrived she and her sisters were in the after school program office, and Michelle and Gabby were hugging each other. Michelle had tears in her eyes, and Gabby was comforting Michelle. She was saying, "I am ok. It's going to be okay." The after school leader told me that she had said, "I just don't want my mom to freak out. I am okay, but I don't want her to freak out." (I DO NOT do blood. It makes me dizzy. I am not calm and collected when there is blood.). So we hurried to an Instacare by our house, and Gabby said it hurt a few times, but she was pretty calm. She cried a bit, but not too much. When we got there, the nurse who examined Gabby was young. She spoke English and Spanish and volunteers at their school (very cool since it isn't near our house...quite a neat coincidence/blessing from The Lord). She told Gabby that if she didn't cry during the stitches, she could have three Popsicles. She cleaned Gabby's chin, put on a gel to numb it and then covered it with tape like stuff. Then we had to wait 20 minutes for it to get numb. Gabby was calm and happy. Then the doctor and nurse came in and she held very still. I held her hand (but had to sit down after a few minutes because I was getting very dizzy) and she was a trooper. She held still, did not cry and was completely calm as the doctor stitched her up. She was so brave...and she happily accepted her three Popsicles.


That night Alfredo and I had his company dinner and they had a babysitter. Gabby had a hard time. She was tired, her chin hurt, and she wanted me to be there with her. But Michelle and Ella helped the babysitter and took good care of her. I was so proud of them.

I am so thankful for doctors. It is not a job I could do. But I am so thankful for those who can. I am grateful for our pediatrician. We had Dr. Wall for nine years, but he left the practice we go to. So now we have Dr. Barrett. They are both great. I am grateful for doctors, hospitals, medication and the blessings of modern medicine.

Thursday, December 12: Alfredo's company As I mentioned, last night was Alfredo's company Christmas dinner. I am thankful for his job. I am thankful for the good health care, retirement and profit sharing benefits that his company provides. I am thankful that he has a job that he enjoys. I am thankful for the income he receives. But most importantly, some of our dearest friends are fellow employees. I am thankful for the friendships that we have all been blessed with because he has this job. These relationships have certainly blessed his life and made his job more enjoyable, but they have also been a blessing for me and for my children.

Friday, December 13: my home. It was so nice tonight to stay home with my family, relax, make gingerbread houses, and spend time together. I am thankful for a nice home to live in. I am thankful for a warm bed, a heater, a kitchen with appliances, a washing machine, and all of the other things we have in our home that make it a nice place to live.



Saturday, December 14th: 12 Days of Christmas. Someone is anonymously giving us gifts for the 12 Days of Christmas. On the first day (yesterday) we got hot chocolate with marshmellows. The second day: Christmas towels. Third day: popcorn. Fourth day: wrapping paper. My kids really want to figure out who is giving it to us. They tried running to the door to see if they could see who it was. When we got the towels, they were sniffing the towels to see if they could figure out whose house they came from. Silly girls. Truly, we live in the best neighborhood on the planet. I hope we don't figure out for sure who is giving them to us, but either way, I am so thankful.


Sunday, Dec. 15: teaching. I love teaching. Sometimes I get a little nervous to teach adults, but I still love teaching. I love teaching school, Primary, Young Womens, and Relief Society. I like the interaction between myself and whoever I am teaching. I like the opportunity to learn new things and gain new insights. When it comes to gospel teaching, I always feel like I gain so much from preparing the lesson. It helps me come to understand the gospel so much better. So when one of our teachers let me know on Saturday evening that she was ill and wouldn't be there at church on Sunday morning, I was grateful for the chance to teach. Sorry that our teacher was sick, and I would always prefer more time to prepare, but grateful to have the chance to teach. The lesson was on Jesus Christ...no better topic to teach on, especially this time of year. I shared quotes from President Snow from the manual. I also shared some quotes from a wonderful article in this month's Ensign by Elder Porter entitled Come, Let Us Adore Him. And I was able to share a video clip from Elder Holland's book For Times of Trouble where he and Sister Holland bear testimony of the Savior. It really helped me to feel and express love and gratitude for my Savior. I am so grateful that I have so many opportunities to teach in both secular and spiritual settings.

Monday, Dec. 16: clothing, esp. warm clothing. It was finally warm enough for our students to go outside for recess today. That, in and of itself, is a cause for celebration/gratitude!! But as I headed outside for recess duty, I was very thankful for a sweater, boots, hoodie, and warm jacket. I am thankful to have shoes to wear and a wide variety of outfits to wear. I am thankful that I have scarves, jackets, gloves, and warm socks. I am thankful for the abundance I have been blessed with.

Tues., Dec. 17: Art I am no artist, but I enjoy doing art projects with my children and my students. We are doing darling but time consuming salt dough handprint Santas with our students. We spent most of the afternoon doing art rotations as a grade level so we could work on this project. We are very fortunate to have an art teacher at our school this year. We received a Beverly Sorensen Taylor art grant. It is wonderful to have a talented art teacher teach our students.

Wednesday, Dec. 18:Christmas cards I love receiving Christmas cards. I love seeing photos of loved ones and reading letters about how their families are doing. Usually Alfredo brings in the mail, but in December I am much more likely to grab the mailbox contents so I can open Christmas cards. I hang them on a door and find myself stopping to look at the photos or to think about these dear Fred's and family members that we love.

Thursday, Dec. 19: Prayer. I am thankful for the gift of prayer. I am thankful for the comfort and peace it brings. I am so thankful for the guidance it often brings to me. I know that our prayers are heard and answered. They aren't always answered in the way we would like or in our timetable. But The Lord does hear. He does answer. I have had many prayers answered personally and have had opportunities to pray for others and sometimes see me Lord answer these prayers as well. I am thankful that my children are learning to pray. When something gets lost or the roads are bad or we experience other day to day challenges, they often ask if we can pray. They have faith. It strengthens mine.

My uncle has been hospitalized with pneumonia since Thanksgiving. He has had complication after complication. He is not doing well. We have been praying sincerely for him. He won't be home for Christmas. I am very concerned for him. But I have faith that our prayers are being heard, and that whatever happens will be His will. Recently on Facebook, I saw this quote by Corrie Ten Boom. "When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." So, too, when we go through times that feel dark and troubling, we trust our Engineer, our Father, that brighter days are ahead and that He is in control of our journey and ultimate destination if we trust him. Prayer is a blessing. It helps align our will with His.

Friday, Dec. 20: A vacation. Today was our last day before winter break. It was a fun day. We had a field trip to see a play called Snow White Christmas. Soo fun. It was a panto, so it was interactive. After school, ee was a luncheon for all the teachers. Then my kids and I drove to Alfredo's company where they got to see Santa. I was awesome...free, only a five minute wait, and I got photos. This evening Alfredo and Iare going to the last Christmas party of the season at a friend's home. And I now have two weeks off and will spend one week of it in Arizona with my family. So very happy and thankful!

Dec. 2-9 Gratitude

Dec. 2: I am so thankful for my sisters. I have two remarkably talented, intelligent and wonderful sisters. I am the oldest, but I learn so much from them. They are great examples to me.

My sister, Rebecca, faces challenges with courage and faith. She is an incredible mother, and has done tremendous research and made significant changes to help her children. Her children have food sensitivities that limit what they can eat. Her youngest was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and my sister has studied, prayed and then implemented dietary changes, biomedical treatments and intensive therapy to help my niece. My niece is making significant improvements. My sister and her amazing husband work tirelessly to help thei children reach their potential, and she is so incredibly patient. In addition, she is a talented photographer, took woodworking classes in high school and has developed skills in woodworking and upholstering. She is a great listener, and she is a hard worker. I am blessed to have such an amazing sister. I wish she were closer, but I so treasure the times when we are together.

My sister, Suzy, is an editor. She does freelance editing and teaches a couple of editing classes at BYU, our alma mater. (My sisters and I all graduated from the Y.) She has a strong testimony and desire to do what is right. She is a very hard worker. She is also very disciplined. She runs marathons and trains for them year round...running between 10-20 miles most days. She is very talented musically, and plays the piano beautifully. She is also a great aunt to my children. They love their Aunt Suzy.

Both of my sisters help me in countless ways. They are an inspiration to me.

Tuesday, Dec. 3: Today was not a great day. I have now lived in Utah for more than half my life, but I still don't like cold weather, and I hate driving in snow.

It took3 hours to get home tonight. There were tears shed...mostly by me. My children had to do their homework in the car. They were tired, starving, and began arguing. I tried to stay calm, but I wasn't entirely successful. I was cranky and frustrated and anxious. A funny/gross thing is that near the end we all needed to go the bathroom so bad, esp. me. We were just sitting, barely moving. I seriously contemplated just putting my car in park, and hopping out to go on the side of the road ...with cars all around us. I am sure I would have had time...but my modesty won out. I seriously worried that when I finally stood up to get out of the car that I would lose my bladder right then and there, but we made it. I guess that's something to be thankful for, right? Today while I was in the car, I thought, "I need to think of what I'm grateful for. That will help me feel better." But the only thing I could find to be thankful for after such a long day was that it was NOT the day of the street party, our RS Christmas dinner (so glad we did that early) or any other commitment because I would not have made it. (Now that I'm home, I can also recognize how grateful I am to be home, to be safe, and that I didn't pee my pants.)

Wednesday, Dec. 4: Today I am thankful for driving safely. As much as I dislike driving in the snow, I am grateful that I have been protected this week and in many instances in the past. I am thankful that I was able to drive safely to/from work and piano lessons. I am thankful that the commute did not take very long. I am thankful that the Lord has protected us from harm when weather conditions are bad.

Thursday, Dec. 5: Today I am thankful that Alfredo took my car to have it's brakes fixed. They needed to be replaced, and it is too cold for him to do it outside in the carport. He found someone that did it for an incredibly reasonable rate, and he got it all taken care of so I wouldn't have to. So grateful that he takes good care of me and of our cars.

Friday, Dec. 6: We have an annual street party at Christmas time. It is a tradition that started over 20 years ago, I believe. We've been participating for nearly 10 years now. (We didn't attend the first couple of years that we lived in our house.) It is a progressive dinner. We begin at one house for appetizers, move to another house for dinner, and then end at a third house for dessert and a white elephant gift exchange. It is a party for adults only, and we love it. We laugh and talk and eat good food and the white elephant gift exchange is a riot. This year our numbers were few, but it was just as fun as it always is. I am thankful to live in a neighborhood where I know nearly everyone on my street and many, many other people in the surrounding streets. A neighborhood where I feel safe. A neighborhood where we are treated with love and respect. I could not be happier with where we live. Our house is not perfect, but my life has been so blessed by those we call our neighbors and friends.

Sat., Dec. 7:
Good babysitters: We needed a babysitter last night, and we got a babysitter tonight to go on a date. We will have another babysitter next week, and one the following weekend. I am grateful that there are so many reliable teenagers in our area that I can trust to watch our girls. My girls love having babysitters, and I am thankful that we have several that we trust and that seem to enjoy our kids as much as our kids enjoy them. And it's nice to know that soon we won't need babysitters at all. Michelle is getting old enough to be our babysitter.

Date night: Alfredo and I went to dinner and then we watched Catching Fire. I was excited to see the movie. I have read the books and really liked them. So I was looking forward to the movie, and it was wonderful. I had tears in my eyes in several parts, and it was well done. I still think the books are even better, but the movie was great. And it was nice to have some time with just Alfredo.

Sun., Dec. 8: I am thankful for our Bishopric. It has been wonderful to get to know them better and serve with them this past year. They are wonderful men who love the Lord and who love the members of our ward. In ward council today, Bishop bore a powerful testimony of the importance and power of prayer. He encouraged us that when troubles and trials came, we should run toward our Father in prayer and not away.

As a parent, I really appreciate that the Bishop has the children visit him after church each Sunday. They share what they learned in Primary and then get a candy. My children have come to know and love the Bishop because of this routine. And I think it helps them pay attention in Primary so they know what to tell the Bishop.

We had tithing settlement today. I am thankful for the blessings of paying tithing. I am thankful for the ways that my family has been blessed and strengthened as I have paid tithing. I feel so thankful that I am able to serve in this church and to pay tithing to contribute to the building of churches, temples, and other church work. I am thankful that my family and I could visit with the Bishop for a few minutes and declare to him (and more importantly to the Lord) that we pay our tithing.

He has only a few more months to serve as Bishop, and I know that whoever follows will be a wonderful Bishop and will bless the ward. But I am so thankful for what Bishop DeLaMare has done for my family and for the ward.

Mon., Dec. 9:Christmas books I love books. I love Christmas. So I have always enjoyed reading Christmas books to/with my children. But then I heard about a fun tradition of wrapping up Christmas books and opening one each day all month long. So last year we began that new tradition. Each night, one of the girls gets to select a wrapped book and we snuggle together and read it. (For my sake, I label the gifts long, medium, and short and tell them what length of book we have time for that night.) This year, we started on Thanksgiving and I am loving it. Some of the books are fun and silly, some are religious in nature. But we enjoy this time reading together. A few of my favorites include The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey; Mary, Did You Know; The Pirate's Night Before Christmas, and The Little Shepherd's Christmas. I own about 30 Christmas books, so we have enough. But I usually check out a few books from the library so that we have a few they haven't read or seen before. After we read them, they go in a basket so the girls can reread them if they choose. I love this tradition. I wish I had started it sooner, but I am glad I started it. Better late than never, right?

Ten Books

My friend, Laurie, tagged me on Facebook asking me to post a list of 10 books that touched me or stayed with me in some way. The rules said to not think too hard...they don't have to be the right books or great works, just ones that have touched you. So I posted my list on Facebook. It wasn't as easy as it sounds. I read about 50 chapter books a year (and hundreds of picture books). Many of these are books that touch me in some way or make me think. But here are the 10 I listed. They are in no particular order, but unlike on Facebook I am going to explain why I listed them.
1. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky...
I read this first in high school (and at least once or twice since and I don't reread most books...although many on this list of 10 I have reread). I appreciated the fact that Dostoevsky is able to help you see inside a criminal's mind and feel compassion for him and understand his actions. It (and other books like it) have helped me to recognize that we can't judge people just by their actions...to really understand that while we do abhor the sin, we don't condemn the sinner.
2. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
My parents read this to me when I was very young. It puzzled and intrigued me. Then I reread it when I got a little older. I read it again in college and loved that I recognized so many of the quotes that one of the characters uses from my readings of the classics. It deals with light/dark, love/hate, and other important themes. I have now read it with my oldest children. I love it!
3. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
This is a children's book that is set in China. It is about a little girl, Minli, whose family is very poor. But her father always tells her stories. Minli decides to set out to try to change her family's fortune, having a number of adventures as she goes, and she learns that the greatest fortunes do not come from having wealth but from having gratitude in our hearts. I love that all of the stories are interconnected. I love the lessons Minli and her family learn. I read this last November and this year my children and I listened to it on CD during November. I may make that a new tradition...to read it each year during November. It helps me remember what is really important.
4. Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
This is a beautiful book about a woman whose son was severely autistic. After his death, she is trying to come to terms with his life, his autism and his death. It was beautifully written, somewhat heart-wrenching, but with a peaceful conclusion. When I am faced with things I don't understand, I often read multiple books about them. So I have read a number of novels that have characters that fall on the autism spectrum. This is perhaps my favorite, although there have been others that also touched me.
5. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
I am so impressed by Corrie Ten Boom. I've read two or three books by her, and I am impressed by her compassion, love, and forgiveness, particularly for those who mistreated her and her family. Despite being sent to the concentration camps and suffering terribly, she gave thanks for all she had...even the fleas and lice. I want to be more like her.
6. To the Rescue
I love President Monson. He is a wonderful example, and he truly has spent his life going to the rescue of the lonely, the sick, the lost, the sad. I learned so much from reading his biography and reflect regularly on ways that I can improve and better serve others around me. I especially reflect on the chapters about the saints in East Germany and their faithfulness. I am so very blessed, and my life is really fairly easy...it shouldn't be hard to make time to do visiting teaching when all of those I visit teach live within a few blocks of me. It shouldn't be hard to make it to the temple when I have 4 within a 20 minute drive and many more within an hour or two's drive. I am so blessed. Yet despite living in a communist country in abject poverty, the East German Saints had a remarkable activity rate (over 90% if I remember correctly) and they did their home/visiting teaching even when it meant traveling for hours. They sacrificed much. I can do better.
7. Expecting Adam by Martha Beck
This book is about Beck's pregnancy with a child (Adam) who they learned would have Down Syndrome. Many people thought she should abort the baby, but they chose to keep Adam and this tells of the experiences she had as she was expecting Adam and the miracles she experienced. The part I love the most and that I reread often
was about her going jogging one day and seeing what she thought was quartz. She was excited as she reached down to pick it up, thinking she had found this beautiful mineral,glistening in the sun. But when she picked it up, it was actually styrofoam and she dropped it disgusted. But then she began thinking about this... her reaction had totally changed when she found out what it was, not because the object had changed (it was always styrofoam, and it had still looked pretty), but because her label for the object had changed...one label was precious mineral, the other garbage. She began to think about how our labels for people changed how we saw them, and for the rest of the day she tried to see people without labels. She didn't last long, she began to cry beause the people around her were so beautiful. She writes, "This was enough to make me wonder if many of the things I reviled as ugly might not in fact be beautiful, if I might be robbing myself of beauty with my own cognitive prejudice." Martha Beck also writes, "If we saw people as they really are, the beauty would overwhelm us. (pages 307-308)"
8. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
I tried to read this in college and couldn't get into it. In fact, I started it at least twice before finally reading it all the way through. But I ended up loving it. Sometimes we have to give things a second (or third) chance before we decide whether it is worth doing.
9. Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer adn Annie Barrows
I am fascinated by WWII. I have read so many books about WWII, and particularly about the Holocaust. (See what I mean, when I don't understand something, I read and read and read about it.) I don't just read about the holocaust, though. I've read books about the Japanese internment camps and about the war in general. So I knew that I wanted to choose a book about WWII, and I loved this book. So partly I chose it because I really loved it, and I do reflect back on it. But partly I chose it to represent all of the books I've read about this historical period.
10. Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
I don't read as much nonfiction as I do fiction. But I have found Gladwell's books interesting. And this one in particular. I found his discussion about why Asian students perform better (in general) in math than US students very interesting. I also reflect often on the concept that achieving the American dream isn't about luck, but it is about being in the right place at the right time and then putting in the hours to get the experience needed to be successful. I reflect back on this book a lot.

Gratitude

It is December 1st. November is over. Thanksgiving is past. But I have so much more I am thankful for. What's more, I know that the saying "We do not give thanks because we are happy, we are happy because we give thanks." (Douglas Wood) is a true statement. I am now beginning the month of December which is one of my favorite and one of my most stressful times of year. I love it, but it often overwhelms me. But I am beginning December feeling very calm and peaceful and happy. I know that giving thanks daily has been part of what has helped me feel that way. And I want this feeling to continue. So I'm going to continue to give thanks throughout December.

And today, I am thankful for quotes about gratitude. They help me remember how important giving thanks is. Here are a few I like:

"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.
We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues" (Thomas S. Monson, "An Attitude of Gratitude," Ensign, May 1992, 54).

"The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us." --James E. Faust

A quote from a favorite book, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, which I read with my children this month: "The woman cursed herself for her selfishness and foolishness. How lucky she had been! She was at last able to see that her daughter's laughter and love could not be improved by having the finest clothes or jewels, that joy had been in her home like a gift waiting to be opened. The woman wept tears for which there was no comfort. For all the time that she had been longing for treasures, she had already had the one most precious." p. 254

"To express gratitude is honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven." -President Monson

"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
― Maya Angelou

“We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.”
― Neal A. Maxwell

And this hymn has been echoing in my mind for days, "Because I have been given much, I, too, must give. Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live. I shall divide my gifts from thee, with every brother that I see. Thus shall my thanks be thanks, indeed." (Hymn 219)

Thankful...Days 24-30

Sunday, Nov. 24: Primary teachers and Primary Presidency I am so thankful for each of my children's Primary teachers. My girls love Primary, and they love their teachers. Michelle loves Sister Wyatt; Gabby loves Sister DeLaMare. Ella's teacher was Sister Parker, but she was recently released and called to be the Activity Day Leader. both Ella and Michelle love her. Ella's new teacher was called today. It will be Brother Carpenter. I know he is also a phenomenal teacher. I feel so thankful that their teachers love them, love the gospel, and teach them so well.

I am also very thankful for the Primary Presidency. This past week, each of my children received a personal, handwritten note from the Primary Presidency. It meant a great deal to them, and I appreciate the time and effort that the Primary Presidency put into writing a note to each child in our primary. They are wonderful, loving, kind women that love and serve our children. I am thankful that my girls have so many good examples of righteous women.

Monday, Nov. 25: My Savior Jesus Christ I am so thankful for the example that Jesus Christ set. I am thankful for His Atonement, and that I can repent of my sins. I give thanks that He loves me and that I can follow His example and strive daily to become more like Him. Yesterday Julie Cannon taught a beautiful lesson about being meek. It was based on Elder Soares' talk in conference. I was struck by this quote:
"Meekness is vital for us to become more Christlike. Without it we won’t be able to develop other important virtues. Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self-worth, and self-control." (It reminded me again of my favorite quote from Sister Nadauld about the kind of women the world has versus the kind of women the world needs.) I want to become more meek...to show strength, serenity, self-worth and self-control. That word serenity stands out to me. I'm not sure that serenity is a word that others would use to describe me...but I sure would like to develop more serenity.

The Savior was and is a perfect example of being humble and meek and charitable. The path to true joy and peace is to follow in His footsteps and become more like Him. I am so thankful for my understanding of the Atonement. My heart overflows with gratitude when I ponder on the priceless gift my Savior gave to me. There aren't really words to express how important this gift is. I am thankful for the sacrament which reminds me of his Atonement weekly, and for the scriptures and teachings of the prophets which teach and testify of Him. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, and my Elder Brother.

I am thankful.

Tuesday, November 26: My job, my coworkers, my students
When I was younger, I dreamed of getting married, having children and being a stay at home mom. For the most part, my dreams have come true...and it is both harder and better than I dreamed it would be. But I have not been able to be a stay at home mom. Sometimes I feel sad about that, and sometimes I worry whether I am doing enough as a mom. But I also feel very grateful for my job. I feel thankful that my job helps to provide for my family, and allows us to give them lessons and other opportunities. I feel thankful that if I have to work, I have a job that I know is important and that I honestly believe and feel is part of my mission here in this life. I have a job where I get to work with children, and I hope provide a safe and encouraging place where we can learn together. I also have a job that gives me my summers off to spend with my own children. I have a job that challenges me (and sometimes overwhelms me) and that I am passionate about. I work at a school with incredibly dedicated ladies and I have many dear friends among my coworkers. And I have wonderful children in my class that I love.

Wednesday, November 27: My parents I am so very thankful for my parents and all that they did to teach me. I have been blessed to have a mom and dad and a stepdad that love me and have taught me and set good examples for me. I am so grateful for the patient, calm mom I have. She never raised her voice (oh, how I want to be like her in that way!). She read to us daily and took us to the library often. For several years, she took us to church on her own during a period in which my dad was inactive and then after my parents divorced. My grandparents were in our ward for most (all?) of that time, but it still must have been challenging. My mom set an amazing example of forgiving others after my parents' divorce. She never spoke unkindly about my dad and forgave him for the hurt he caused. She is a wonderful grandma, and she regularly sends cards or notes to my kids...for big and small holidays. She calls them regularly and reads what I write on this blog and then asks them questions about things I have written. She is the best mom/grandma. I am so thankful for her.

My dad is very smart, and I have always appreciated that when we were young we were allowed to listen and even share our opinions in the adults' conversations about politics and other topics. I think it helped build my critical thinking skills. My dad has made some mistakes in his life, and it has been a blessing for me to watch as he repented and returned to full activity in the church. It helped me understand and appreciate the Atonement more. He adores my children, and I am thankful for him.

My stepdad joined our family when I was a teenager, and he helped establish some important habits...daily scripture study and family prayer and Family Home Evening. He has been a good example of accepting and magnifying callings. He has been a great example of doing missionary work and being a member missionary. He loves us, and he loves my mom and treats her wonderfully. I am thankful to have such great parents for myself and such great grandparents for my children.

Thursday, November 28: The priesthood
I am so thankful for the power of the priesthood, and for those who honor their priesthood and use it to bless others. My uncle Phil is in the hospital. He was rushed there yesterday. He has a serious case of pneumonia. The doctor told my aunt that if he hadn't come to the hospital yesterday, he most likely would have died. Today, even though it was Thanksgiving, I called my aunts' home teachers for her (I was at her house helping to get Thanksgiving dinner ready and she was hurrying to get back to the hospital). And despite having company in town, their home teacher was at the hospital within 20 minutes to give my uncle a blessing. I am so thankful that we have the power of the priesthood. It has been a blessing in my life, and I am thankful of the blessings of comfort and healing it can bring.

Friday, November 29: Christmas decorations
I love Christmas! I love the lights, the trees, the music, the gifts, the stories, and I love the decorations. (And I especially love remembering why we celebrate this season.). I look forward to the day after Thanksgiving and to putting up our decorations. I love watching and helping my children decorate the fun tree downstairs and watching as Alfredo gets the tree upstairs perfect. (This year he did something new and the tree upstairs is decorated with all of the kids' webkinz and stuffed animals...some are holiday stuffed animals and some aren't.) I love getting out the nativities. And I love coming home from work each day to smell ponderosa pine cones and to the beautiful lights, wreaths, snow globes and other decorations.

Saturday, November 30: Time with family and the temple We had a great day together. We went to breakfast together at Kneaders and then did some shopping at Target (although all we ended up buying was wrapping paper and tape.). Then we came home and did some work outside...cutting down a tree and hanging lights outside. My kids played with friends for awhile. Then we headed downtown to see the lights at Temple Square. It is so beautiful and peaceful there. There were a lot of others there (in fact we saw the Cannons from our ward.) But despite the crowds, when we stood and listened to the narration of the birth of Christ, I had tears streaming down my face. Gabby kept singing, "Simply having, a wonderful Christmas time." It was wonderful to be there and to be together. Then we headed to City Creek and enjoyed the lights there, and we did a little window shopping. Finally, we enjoyed ice cream. It was a great day!

I am so thankful for the temple. I love the way I feel when I am there, and I am grateful for the blessings the temple has brought into my life. I know that I am a beloved daughter of God, and every time I attend the temple I am reminded of how much my Father and my Savior love me. I am thankful to have a place of such beauty and peace...and so very grateful that there are so many temples nearby.

Thankful...Days 13-23

Day 13:
I have neglected to mention my family in these gratitude posts. This is not because I am not thankful for my family, but because I write about my family most of the time, and they are the thing I am most grateful for. I have tried to notice more of the little things that I am thankful for. The things that I might not notice all of the time. But I am truly so thankful for my family. I am thankful for a wonderful husband who works hard to support our family. He makes me laugh. He has done a great deal to support me as I serve in my calling. I had not really given it much thought until about a week ago when we were talking to someone, but I recently realized that we have never paid anyone to do any home improvement projects. Since we bought this house 11 years ago, Alfredo has redone the roof, done lots of planting/yard work, redone the bathroom (but not the tub/shower or toilet), put new flooring in the kitchen/living room/hall/stairs, painted nearly every room in our house...some of them twice, and probably other projects I am forgetting. Currently, he is turning Gabby's room into Michelle's room. He has repainted, removed the old floorboards and put new ones, and he may even pull out the carpet and put new pergo flooring. He has replaced the old swamp cooler with a newer one. He's done other small repairs as well. He has gotten help from friends with many of these projects, and in return he has helped friends with many of their own projects. He is also a really good cook. I cook more often than he does, but he nearly always cooks if we have company, and he usually cooks lunch on Sundays. I am thankful for all that he knows how to do, and the many ways he helps and blesses our family. I am also so thankful for my children, but I think I will dedicate an individual post to each of them.

Day 14:
Today I am thankful for Brooke and my Relief Society Presidency, in particular. And I am thankful for my wonderful ward. We had our Relief Society Christmas dinner and program. Brooke was recently called as the leader for our additional Relief Society meetings (activities). Brooke met with us as a presidency and planned the dinner and program. She came up with a wonderful idea for a gift for each sister, and we offered to help make them, but she said she'd take care of them. She did a wonderful job on the program. Everything turned out beautifully. It was a wonderful way to be reminded of how much I have to be thankful for, and to start the holiday season off with joy. I am so thankful for Brooke. It was so wonderful to see so many sisters at the program. I love our ward, and I feel thankful to be surrounded by so many good people.

And I am thankful that the dinner is over before the real busy-ness of the holiday season begins. :)

Day 15:
I am thankful for good friends. We were able to go on a double date with our friends, Mike and Jami. We went to The Sweet Spot, a Brazilian restaurant and had their yummy pizza buffet. So many delicious types of pizza. We talked, we laughed. We had a great time. It is wonderful to be surrounded by so many great friends.
I came home from our double date and found a gift for me. A friend brought me a beautiful porcelain statue of the Savior with a thank you note. She adopted a premature baby, and I have helped organize service for her family. It has been so heartwarming and touching to watch the ward lovingly and unselfishly help others during times of need. The gift, but especially the note, really touched me. I am blessed so much more than I can possibly give. The verses in Mosiah 2 have really stood out to me these past few months:

20 I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another—

21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.

22 And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

23 And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.

24 And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?

I am also thankful that the Lord trusts me as much as He does. I recognize that my trials and challenges are small. But my responsibilities often feel large. My challenges are more about organizing my time and finding time to do all the things I need to do and knowing how to best help others when they face challenges. And in the midst of this to make sure my family knows and feels my love for them. Some weeks that feels overwhelming. But when I begin to feel stressed and overwhelmed, the Lord strengthens me and things somehow work out. I often start to worry that I can't do as much as I should or that I don't know HOW to help someone facing a particular challenge or that I can't possibly accomplish my many responsibilities, but somehow it does work out. I often doubt my own abilities...and so I feel very grateful that despite my own doubts, worries and fears, The Lord trusts me. He trusts me with three of His precious daughters. He trusts me to teach 25 of His precious children, many of whom have significant challenges in their little lives. And He trusts me to love and serve the women in my ward. That is a lot of trust...and I need to do better at remembering and trusting Him. If he trusts me with these responsibilities, then He will help me and strengthen me.

Day 16:

I am thankful for Gabby. She is so sweet and funny. She makes us laugh nearly every day. She just says the funniest things. I need that. She is very loving. She gives big hugs and kisses and often tells Alfredo and me that she loves us.

Lately she has been saying "oh my gosh" a lot...anytime something surprises her. And she kind of drags the gosh out in this singsong way. It makes me smile every time she says it, not because of the words but the tone of her voice.

She is finally loving school, for which I am indeed thankful. She is learning to read. She is understanding and using Spanish more and more. And she was chosen to be honored in an awards assembly earlier this week for being a hard worker. She has happily shown many people her certificate and pencil from the award assembly. She also proudly tells people that she hasn't had to move her magnet this year. (Her teachers' discipline method...students move their magnet when they misbehave and then get consequences.) She has not had to move her magnet at all.

Everyone remarks on her curly hair. Both Afredo and I have some wave in our hair. But not curls like hers. But my sisters and my dad and a couple of my cousins have super curly hair, so it comes from my side of the family.

Gabby is a kind friend. Gabby loves to sing and dance, although she doesn't like to sing or dance in front of people. She is a precious, beautiful little girl, and I am so thankful she is mine.

Day 17:
I am thankful for Mirielle. Ella is my most cuddly child. Even at 8 years old, she likes to sit on laps, be hugged, snuggle up to me or hold my hand. She is very sensitive to others' feelings. (This is both a blessing and a challenge.)

She has a great desire to do what is right.

She is very good with animals, and she is definitely Prince's favorite. He listens to her better than to the rest of us, he loves to be near her and he usually sleeps with her. Personally, I do not tolerate dogs licking me on the face at all, but she doesn't mind.

Ella does well in school. She seems to pick up on Spanish more easily than her sisters. She loves to teach FHE. She loves to hold and be around babies and young children. She is a little nurturer.

She is definitely my daughter (although more emotional than I was as a child.). I love her so very much! She adds so much to our family, and I have learned more about myself and about parenting from her than from my other two children.

Day 18: Michelle
A decade and a half ago, I became a mother to a beautiful little baby girl. Michelle is still beautiful, and she is smart, talented and energetic. She is very responsible. She works hard to do her schoolwork/homework in two different languages, practice violin and piano, and help around the house. She helps me in so many ways.

She is very full of energy, and she loves to be outside, to climb, ride bikes and run. Michelle is also very organized. She likes her room clean and things neat and tidy. She takes after her dad in that way.

She is a good friend, and she is good with kids that are older and younger her. I am grateful she is my daughter.

Day 19: a day off from work, getting things done
I get two personal days a year. I usually take them to go on field trips with my children or to be involved in some other activity for my children. But I have been so busy lately, and I never feel rested or caught up. It was starting to get to me. So I took a personal day. I took all 3 kids to school, and then I had the day to myself. I am weird, I'm sure. I didn't go out to lunch with a friend or go get my nails done. Here's how I spent my day: I went grocery shopping, I rented a carpet cleaner and cleaned the carpets in the whole house. I cleaned out the fridge. I did some laundry. I did a tiny bit of Christmas shopping. I listened to a book on CD during some of these tasks. I picked up my children, helped them with homework, supervised music practice and cooked dinner, read to my kids, and did some schoolwork of my own. By the time I went to bed, I was exhausted...perhaps as tired as I would have been if I'd gone to work. But I also had a clean house (minus the office) and a lot of things crossed off my to do list. It helped. At least a bit.

Day 20: my new haircut
I have not had a haircut in over a year. It was past time. So far past time that I have been putting my hair up in a bun every day for two months now. I like getting my hair cut, but it always gets relegated to the bottom of my to do list. But my friend Liz said she would come to my house and cut it for me. She cut off at least 4 inches, and it feels so much healthier now. I am so grateful for a new haircut. Ella got a haircut also, and it is so nice.

Day 21: book club, honesty of kids
Kids are funny. They are so honest and sincere. When I went to school on Thursday morning, lots and lots of kids noticed my haircut. Some of them said they liked it. But a few looked shocked and a couple said, "Why did you cut it?" Or "What did you do?" I feel good about it, so it didn't offend me at all, but I just laughed. They really tell you what they think.

Thursday evening was book club. I love my book club. I love to read, and I enjoy talking about the book we've read. I enjoy reading books that I might not find otherwise. I enjoy eating the yummy treats. But mostly, I really love being with the great women in my book club. Most of them I would never have met otherwise, but I really feel grateful to know them. A couple of them in particular are such dear friends. I need that release once a month, a chance to get away from my responsibilities, to laugh (boy do we laugh!), to discuss good books, and to be with other women.

Day 22: opportunities to serve and to be served
There was a funeral luncheon on Friday. It meant a lot to the family that we provided a luncheon for them, and I was grateful we were able to. I occasionally have a less than stellar attitude about providing service, but I am always so glad after I am finished. I feel good. It helps me recognize how blessed I am, and I feel closer to the person I have served and feel better about myself.

I was also served by several people on Friday. I feel so thankful for the goodness and unselfishness of so many people who do so much to help me...whether it is saying a kind word, telling me I am doing a good job on days when I feel like I am not, watching my children for me, or helping in another way. The most amazing thing is that most of the time when people serve me, I have not asked them to. They serve me either without realizing it, or they do it just because they had a feeling I needed it or they recognized a need and stepped in to fill that need. So very thankful for that.
Day 23: stores nearby, good food, great people
We've been learning about the Pilgrims this week at school. We learned a song about the First Thanksgiving and we talked about why the Pilgrims ate deer, turkey and fish at the first feast. This was a tough question for second graders to process, but eventually we helped them understand that there were no grocery stores and so they could only eat what they could grow, fish or hunt... I am thankful for grocery stores that are so close to my home. Although I make lists when I grocery shop, inevitably I forget to put something on my list or have an item on my list and still forget to buy it. Just today, I went to the store to buy items for a dinner at my home and got home only to realize that while I purchased cups, plates, and plastic utensils, I did not buy bowls...and we were eating soup. So back to the store I went. (Much of this forgetfulness is explained by the fact that I usually grocery shop between 9-10 PM when I am tired. But not today.) But regardless, I am thankful that there are grocery stores close to my home and that I do not have to rely on only what I can grow, hunt or fish.

I am thankful for good food. I am thankful that I have plenty to eat, and I have a variety of foods to eat. I have access to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, meats, treats, and other foods.

And I am thankful for good neighbors and great people in my life. When I was at the grocery store, two different people asked if I was having a birthday party (based on the foods I was buying and the 4 Christmas gifts in my cart, I am sure.) I said no, I was having a dinner for some people in my neighborhood. Both people looked surprised and then said, "Wow! You must really get along with the people in your neighborhood." I smiled and said yes, I do. And it is true. I know nearly every person on my street (which is a long circle), and most of them I know well. I know many, many other people in the surrounding blocks (one advantage to living in Utah is that my ward is only a few streets big and so I know many, many of the people in the surrounding streets). My street has an annual Christmas party. On the 23rd of July, the whole neighborhood was invited to set off fireworks on our circle. People are friendly and helpful and I feel like my children are safe playing outside. It is a great neighborhood. A great place to live. A great place to raise my children.

Gratitude...Day 12

Today I am thankful for wonderful eyesight. I have better than normal eyesight with no need for glasses. I suspect when I get older I will need glasses, but I am thankful for such good eyesight right now. I can read signs with small print. I can see things that are far away. It is convenient and helpful to have such good eyesight.

This past Friday, I woke up and found that my left eye was quite swollen on the eyelid. I must have gotten some kind of small infection from something. It was red and it hurt quite a bit. I came home early and took a nap, which helped a bit, and I avoided makeup from Friday until today. Alfredo put saline drops in my eye all weekend. On Saturday, it was still swollen but didn't hurt much anymore. By Sunday, it was a tiny bit pink but not swollen, and a little bit itchy. By Monday, it was back to normal. I am grateful that the itch, pain and swelling are all gone. What a blessing good eyesight and healthy eyes are!!

Moral Force of Women FHE

This FHE lesson was featured on Jocelyn's great blog:being lds. I'm sharing it here so I can remember it.
I loved Elder Christofferson's talk in October conference. It felt timely. In addition, as a mother of three girls, I wanted my daughters to recognize that they can have a great impact on the world for good AND that my most important role is as their mom. (I work full time as a second grade teacher, and I am currently serving as Relief Society President in my ward. These two responsibilities keep me pretty busy, and they are important, but I want my children to know and be reassured regularly that my greatest joy comes from being their mom.)

We began by singing "I am Trying to Be Like Jesus." After our opening prayer, we read Proverbs 31:10, "Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies." Then I explained that Elder Christofferson spoke about how good women are needed in the world. (One of my daughters piped up and said good men are needed too. I agreed.) read a quote from Elder Christofferson's talk: "A woman's moral influence is nowhere more powerfully felt or more beneficially employed than in the home." I told them that of all the things I do, being their mom is the most important. I said that good women have an impact on others' lives. I told them of three women that helped shape my life...my mom, my grandma and a Young Women's leader and what I learned from them. Then I asked them to write down the names of or draw pictures of 2-4 women that have helped them and set good examples for them. They worked for a little while, talking as they worked, and then they shared who they put down and why. Their aunts, Primary teachers, Activity Day leaders, piano and violin teachers. They shared what each of these women had done to set an example or to teach them.


Then I pointed out that the world often teaches things about women that aren't true...and that Elder Christofferson pointed out 3.

1. Motherhood is not valued by society as it ought to be. He said, "We do not diminish the value of what women or men achieve in any worthy endeavor or career--and we all benefit from those achievements--but we still recognize there is not a higher good than motherhood and fatherhood in marriage."
2. Morality and sexual purity are not taught or practiced by society.
3. "A third area of concern comes from those who, in the name of equality, want to erase all differences between the masuculine and feminine." This often means women are encouraged to be tough and coarse.

Perhaps my favorite part of Elder Christofferson's talk was the quote from Sister Nadauld. I am sure I heard it when she said it, but it didn't strike me powerfully as it did this time. I'd like to get it in vinyl or something to put on my wall. This is what she said, “The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”

My original plan had been to learn some sign language signs to compare what the world had and what the world needs. But I ran out of time. So Plan B was to create a chart...One one side we wrote what the world has and on the other side, we wrote what the world needs. The girls loved reading this quote and taking turns writing down the ideas. We talked about what they mean and shared some examples. I am thinking (now) that another idea might have been to create a handout with two pictures of the world where each girl could write what the world has on one side and what type of women the world needs on the other. Because my youngest is five and just learning to write words, the big chart worked well for her since we took turns writing.

Finally I closed with these words from Elder Christofferson, "My plea to women and girls today is to protect and cultivate the moral force that is within you. Preserve that innate virtue and the unique gifts you bring with you into the world. Your intuition is to do good and to be good, and as you follow the Holy Spirit, your moral authority and influence will grow." Then this final quote, "Sisters, of all your associations, it is your relationship with God, your Heavenly Father, who is the source of your moral power, that you must always put first in your life."

Then I bore my testimony of my love for the gospel, my love for them, and my knowledge that as we keep the commandments and love and serve God, we can each have a wonderful, positive impact on the people around us. I am thankful for the privilege of being a mother to three daughters and teaching them to serve the Lord. I am sure if I had sons, I would focus a bit more on the quotes he shared about the importance of men and women working together...or I might combine this talk with the talk from Elder Andersen "Power in the Priesthood". Or perhaps, I would teach this lesson one week and a lesson based on Elder Andersen's talk the following week.

You can watch or read the talk here.

Gratitude...Veterans Day...Nov 11

Today I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, the rights we have to worship, to live as we believe. I am thankful to live in a democratic republic where we can participate in the election process. I am thankful for public education that is available to all, the rich and poor, boy and girl, citizen and noncitizen. And of course, I am thankful for all who have served and all who do serve in the military. It is due to their courage, conviction and sacrifice that I am able to enjoy and give thanks for these blessings and rights. We are so blessed! I am so blessed!

Be thankful...day 10

"Be thankful when you are tired and weary because it means you've made a difference." (Source unknown.)

I saw this quote at Michelle's violin teacher's house, and by Thursday, I am always tired and often weary, so it struck me. I am not certain that being tired and weary ALWAYS means you are making a difference, but I hope that often it does. So today, I am thankful for being tired and weary regularly. I believe I am making a difference in the lives of the students I teach. I know I am making a difference for my own children. I hope, in some small way, I am making a difference in the lives of the women in my ward. I still truly believe that whatever service or help I provide, I am so richly blessed and learn and benefit so much more than those I serve. I have had this calling for nearly a year now, and it has changed me. So today I give thanks for my tiredness and weariness.

Gratitude Day 9

Today I am thankful for music. I am thankful for the role music plays in my life and in my family member's lives. I am not very musically inclined, but I am very thankful that we have had the means to provide our children with music lessons. Michelle loves and is gaining more confidence in the violin. She is so excited because this past week she moved up to a 1/2 violin size and her new violin is a bit nicer and has a bit better sound. She also gets to play a special part in her Christmas concert at school. I am so happy to see how much she is enjoying the violin.

Both Ella and Michelle are improving on the piano as well. They have worked hard to prepare for their piano recital.

They both have wonderful teachers that not only teach them music, but two women who are positive role models and wonderful examples of Christlike women who serve and bless others through their music and through the way they live their lives. I am so thankful for both Linda and Jami and the influence they have on my children. I am grateful that they have teachers who I am happy to have them emulate.

Music brings beauty to our home. It is teaching my children responsibility and time management. It is helping them develop talents....talents that they will be able to use to bless their lives but also the lives of others.

Music is also a great teaching tool. I have noticed that many of my students and also my own children remember things better if I can teach it with a song.

Music can invite the spirit. Music can help us feel closer to our Father in Heaven. It is no accident that our church meetings begin and end with songs.

Michelle's violin concert was wonderful. I blogged about it here.

Michelle and Ella had a piano recital last night. It was held in the chapel at the stake center. Michelle played Minuet in G by Bach and Clair de Lune by Debussy. She got a bit nervous and made some mistakes on the Minuet, but she kept going and didn't get too flustered, so I was proud of her. She played Clair de Lune beautifully. Ella played Sonata Theme by Mozart and Distant Bells by Louis Streabogg. Both songs were challenging for her, but she did so well! She really shined up there. I was so happy for her. I am proud of them both.

I also loved the KitKat piano keys that Jami made as a refreshment. So cute!
Girls after piano recital

Nearly a month ago, Alfredo and I attended the Josh Groban concert. It was my birthday gift to him. We were supposed to have nose bleed seats, but when we arrived, we were reassigned. We ended up on the floor, on the 20th row. It was amazing. His violinist was incredible and we kept wishing Michelle could see and hear him. Josh Groban was funny and entertaining and he sang beautifully. It was so fun to be there together. Our photos weren't great...taken on Alfredo's cell, but oh, we had a great time. So thankful for wonderful music.

Thankful...Day 8

I saw this awesome quote on Pinterest. "Thanksgiving is a day, thanksliving is a lifestyle." I know that I am happier when I count my blessings and focus on all that I have than when I focus on what I want. I want to make thanksliving part of my lifestyle.

Today I am thankful for sleep. I came home from work early today and I was exhausted. Gabby and I put on a movie and I took a nap for almost an hour. I felt so much better after getting some rest. I am thankful for my sweet children that let me sleep for a little while.

Thankful...Day 7

May you always be blessed
With walls for the wind
A roof for the rain
A warm cup of tea by the fire.
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.

--Irish Blessing

I saw this and thought it was beautiful...and a great reminder of how very blessed I am...to have all that I need and much of what I want. To be surrounded by people I love. To have a wonderful home. To be happy. I am so blessed.

Thankful...Day 6

Anyone who knows me will not be in the least bit surprised about what I am grateful for today. I am thankful for books. I love books for so many reasons. Some of these reasons are listed below, in no particular order.

Some books help me to really recognize and appreciate how many blessings I have living in this land of freedom with relative wealth. Some books teach me how to do things such as be a better parent. Some books help me learn about history, science, geography, cultures or other topics.

Reading helps me connect with my children. We listen to books on CD together on the relatively long car ride to and from school each day. I read to them most nights before bed. Michelle is reading some fifth grade level books in Spanish this year, and it is challenging for her. So often I read the book in English and she reads it in Spanish and we talk about it.

Reading holds many pleasant memories for me from throughout my life, including with my parents and sisters growing up.

One of my favorite parts of being a teacher is reading aloud to my students and watching them learn to read better and catch an excitement for reading.

Reading has helped me develop friendships. I am in a book club and have come to really love the other women in my book club, and our shared reading as well as our shared lives have been a blessing to me. In addition, I have made online friends on Goodreads that I have never met but that I still feel a connection to.

But perhaps, the reason I am most thankful for reading is that after a long day of being a full time teacher, a mom, a wife, a friend, and a Relief Society President, reading gives me a chance to unwind, relax and energize myself. It allows me to refocus so that I can do it all again tomorrow, usually fairly happily.

And most importantly, in the eternal scheme of things, some books (and I think in many ways, most books I read even though not religious in nature) help me increase my love for the Savior and help me strengthen my testimony.
After all, Alma 30:44 says, "But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." All things denote there is a God. Including good books.

I am a bit obessed with them...so here's the stack of books I am reading/listening to either by myself or with my children. (And this doesn't include the picture books I read to Gabby daily and often to the other girls as well.)

Thankful...Day 5

I am thankful for hot chocolate. I love hot chocolate. I like it all year round (and I like ice cream all year round..I kind of alternate between the two...one day I'll have a cup of hot chocolate and the next I'll have a bowl of ice cream).

As I've gotten older, I have gotten a bit pickier about my hot chocolate. I will drink any kind, especially if it has whipped cream in it. However, I have a favorite. I buy it just for myself. I like Stevens brand Hazelnut flavor hot chocolate. I buy the big containers of plain or mint hot chocolate for my children, but the Hazelnut is just for me. Yum! Absolutely love it!

Halloween

In past years, the girls have not been able to dress up in their costumes for school. But this year, they were. That made Halloween extra fun and special for them. Ella even got her dad to paint her face.

They had parties at school and had a lot of fun. Gabby was a bit annoyed, though, because she was dressed as Cleo DeNile from Monster High and she said that all day kids asked her what she was.

That evening, after violin lessons, we hurried home and got ready to go trick-or-treating. We met up with friends to trick-or-treat together.

Of course, we had to visit the two best houses in our neighborhood. The Gustafson's had their annual spook alley which Ella and Michelle both went through. I was proud of Ella because she doesn't like to be scared, and so I was surprised she went through, but she did. And the Gustafsons were serving cotton candy on glow sticks. So. Very. Cool. (I personally don't like cotton candy, so I passed on that, but they are still so very cool.) I absolutely love my neighborhood. In fact, that could easily count as today's gratitude idea...but I already wrote about missionary work...and I kind of already wrote about my neighborhood (my ward) on Friday. Then we visited lots of other homes on our way to the Kings. The Kings have scones and hot chocolate each year. Our very favorite stop. In fact, I think Gabby could ALMOST go without trick or treating if we just went to the Kings. Yum!

Somehow this was one of the best, perhaps the best, Halloween yet. It was the first time in a decade that I haven't pushed a stroller...okay, so really, it was the first time since I was a kid and went trick-or-treating as a child that I wasn't pushing a stroller. The weather was a tiny bit chilly, but it wasn't snowing or raining or absolutely freezing.

And I had a great day at school. Most of my students dressed up. We had a parade around the school, and my students and so many others were just darling. We did Halloween activities, wrote Halloween stories, watched It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. My favorite part was I turned on Halloween music during the party and many of the kids got up and danced. I don't have a Halloween CD, so I just went to Youtube and chose Halloween songs to listen to and we even watched a couple of the videos that were cute like Monster Mash and 5 Litlte Pumpkins. The kids worked and played and danced and told me I was the best teacher ever. It was a great day.